LocalMeanNew York

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Local train

LOH-kul train

Subway & streetClassic New York English

Local meaning

A subway train that stops at the local stations along its route rather than skipping them for faster service.

Local service is essential when the destination station is not served by the express. Service changes can make a normally express train run local or send local trains over express tracks, so riders must check signs and announcements.

Example in context

  1. “Switch to the local for the next two stops.”

How it is used

Official and everyday New York transit language, also used in other rail systems.

Tone

neutral, practical

Setting

subway directions, commuting, service changes

Regional scope

Official and everyday New York transit language, also used in other rail systems.

Watch for

Local and express patterns vary by line, direction, time, and construction; the route letter or number alone is not always enough.

Spelling and scope

Official and everyday New York transit language, also used in other rail systems.

Search forms
local train meaning nycnew york subway locallocal vs express subway

LocalMean keeps common search spellings discoverable without claiming that every borough, community, or generation uses one written form.

Frequently asked questions

Does a local train stop everywhere?

It generally serves the local stations on its route, but temporary service changes can alter stopping patterns.

Is local always slower?

It usually makes more stops than an express train, though waiting time, transfers, and disruptions can change the fastest choice.

Read next

All words →
noun phraseExpress train

A subway train that skips selected local stations to serve a smaller set of major stops more quickly.

nounStraphanger

A public-transit passenger, especially a regular subway or bus rider who may have to stand.

adverb; adjective; nounUptown

Toward the northern or higher-numbered-street direction in Manhattan; it can also name particular northern areas depending on context.

Evidence and further reading

These sources support the regional association, dictionary sense, or broader spread. The entry remains open to correction from New York speakers and qualified reviewers.